Detective Bernard L. Christopher

Detective Bernard L. Christopher | Mount Vernon Police Department, New York
Mount Vernon Police Department, New York
Detective Bernard L. Christopher

Mount Vernon Police Department, New York

End of Watch Monday, June 24, 1974

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Bernard L. Christopher

Detective Bernard Christopher was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a robbery while off-duty at 3:00 am.

Detective Christoper was at the Star Grill at 472 Frankin Avenue, Mount Vernon, when a man armed with a 12-gauge shotgun entered the location and announced a robbery. Detective Christopher drew his revolver and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Detective Christopher was struck in the chest and killed.

An off-duty Police Officer from the New York City Police Department, who was also in the restaurant, pursued the suspect on foot and exchanged gunfire with him. That officer was slightly wounded and was unable to apprehend the suspect.

Three weeks later, a 29-year-old drifter was arrested for stabbing a man to death in Harlem on May 13, 1974. A week later, he was charged with Detective Christopher's murder. On March 11, 1975, he was convicted of Detective Christopher's murder and sentenced to 20 years to life. He was also convicted of first-degree robbery and sentenced to 20 years to life to run concurrently with his other sentence. He died in prison on December 2, 2003.

Detective Christopher was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Mount Vernon Police Department for ten years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour 10 years
  • Badge 36
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
  • Offender Sentenced 20 years to life

off duty, robbery

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
I'M PRAYING MINISTRY: Devoted to Prayer and God's Word
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 24, 2025

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